The proposed policy addresses the practice of blending at publicly owned sewage treatment facilities during periods of high flow caused by rainfall or snowmelt. Blending occurs when large volumes of wastewater exceed the capacity of the secondary treatment units at a sewage treatment facility.

The policy would clarify the requirements of the Clean Water Act and applicable regulations on the practice of blending, requiring that municipal sewage treatment facilities implement safeguards, including enhanced monitoring. The comment period closes Jan. 9, 2004. See www.epa.gov/npdes/blending.